Ethnic Intimidation

If, while you are committing a crime, you also make comments or threaten another person because of their religion, race, or ethnic background, whatever charges you face for the original crime will be magnified.

You might face imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record, as well as other negative reactions from society that can cost you your job and ruin your reputation. You shouldn’t delay in contacting an experienced and reputable Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer who can fight for you so that the case turns in your favor.

Pennsylvania law states that ethnic intimidation occurs when a person acts maliciously and with intent toward a religious, racial, or other group while in the act of committing a crime.

The victim of the crime does not have to actually belong to the minority group that has been referred to in the threats. If the perpetrator only perceives that they are, and threatens them, then a crime has been committed.

Things that are considered ethnic intimidation are as follows:

• Color
• Nationality or national origin
• Any kind of disability (mental or physical)
• Race
• Religion
• Ancestry
• Sexual orientation
• Gender or gender identity

If you are arrested for this crime, then any additional charges against you will go up one degree. As an example, you have received a summary charge for breaking someone’s window. You have also painted the side of their house with a racial slur. Your charge will be of a higher classification and can turn into a misdemeanor.

If the police believe that your crime was motivated by hatred for a perceived or actual member of one of the minority groups above, they will charge you with ethnic intimidation.

Suppose you shout ethnic slurs out at a person or threaten to kill him/her. The police will arrest you and charge you with ethnic intimidation. They will assume that your threat to kill/harm that particular person is somehow related to hatred for that particular group of people.

This is a serious crime, and you should retain an attorney as soon as possible so that your case is handled in the best possible way.

Do not get into any argument with or even talk to the police/prosecutors without the presence of your attorney at your side. Your words can be twisted and can be used against you, otherwise. If the police try to question you, be calm and polite, and tell them that you need a lawyer.

It is always advisable to hire an experienced Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer in these kinds of cases. Here are some of the ways he can help you.

• Explain everything related to your charge in detail.
• Carefully review every aspect of your case.
• Determine if there is any evidence for the crime you have been accusedof.
• Discredit evidence which can work against you.
• Prepare a solid defense that will work in your favor.
• Protect your rights.

If you or a loved one have been charged with Ethnic Intimidation in or around the city of Pittsburgh, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney. The Logue Criminal Defense team serves Pittsburgh, PA, and the surrounding areas, including West Virginia and Ohio. To get in touch and schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Pittsburgh Criminal Defense lawyer from Logue Law Group, call us today at 844.PITT.DUI or 844.PITT.DUI. Or, you can contact us online.

Don’t wait to call! The longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more difficult it becomes for him or her to get a good outcome for you and your case. Call today!

A definition and description of ethnic intimidation can be found in the Pennsylvania Criminal Code under Title 18 Chapter 27.